{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Spicy Brain","title":"Could You Be AUTISTIC? Navigating Life Before & After a Late Adult Autism Diagnosis at 27","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2708,"description":"Late Autism Diagnosis in Women: Identity, Burnout, and Finding Your VoiceIn this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed with autism at the age of 27, reflecting on the experiences that led her to seek answers and how that diagnosis reshaped her life.Lara begins by exploring her time during the COVID-19 lockdowns, where she found herself unexpectedly thriving in a quieter, more predictable environment. As life returned to normal, however, she struggled with anxiety and depression, prompting her to question why readjustment felt so overwhelming compared to others.Watching Love on the Spectrum prompted Lara to research autism in adult women, leading to online assessments suggesting a diagnosis. With family support, she pursued a formal assessment in Ireland, detailing the process and the resulting complex feelings of relief, validation, and frustration.The episode also covers:🌶️ Why autism is often missed or misdiagnosed in women🌶️ The impact of masking and late diagnosis on mental health🌶️ Post-diagnosis regression and the emotional aftermath of discovery🌶️ Gaps in representation and research for neurodivergent adults🌶️ Reassessing career paths and environments after diagnosisLara speaks candidly about the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood and the anger from recognising missed signs earlier. Her diagnosis prompted a career reevaluation, leading her to step away from a corporate role and find a new purpose advocating for neurodiversity and underrepresented voices.Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation about late autism diagnosis, identity, and self-acceptance, and how understanding your neurodivergence can open the door to a more aligned and authentic life.Contact SpicyBrainThanks for tuning in to Spicy Bain, the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/FqVo1ZyaIJlqKnwK3ztPTNicKUAgNLZ8P3d-lph6Td8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yMWMz/OGVkZTMyNjRiYWFm/ZjhmNTAzYjg0MDdj/MzM5Yi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}